Setting up a local network between Windows 10 computers via a Wi-Fi router: a complete guide

Creating a local network between computers via Wi-Fi router — a task faced by many users. It allows you to share files, use a shared printer, play online games, or remotely control another PC. Windows 10 The setup process is simplified, but requires attention to detail: from the right choice IP addresses until the correct settings are made network discovery.

However, not everyone knows that even when connected to the same router, computers don't always see each other automatically. This can be due to incorrect network settings, firewall blocking, or outdated network adapter drivers. In this article, we'll look into it. step-by-step setup taking into account all the nuances, and we will also consider typical errors and ways to eliminate them.

Preparing equipment and checking connections

Before setting up your local network, make sure all devices are connected to the one Wi-Fi routerThis is a key requirement: if the computers are on different networks (for example, one via a cable, the other via a mobile hotspot), they will not see each other.

Please check the following points:

• 🔌 The router is turned on and distributes Wi-Fi (the wireless network indicator lights up green or blue).
• 🖥️ All computers are connected to the same network (SSID name is the same).
• 🔄 On the router client isolation mode is disabled (AP Isolation), if present. This mode blocks communication between devices on the local network.

To verify that the connection is working, run the command ping from one computer to another. To do this:

1. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter.
2. In the command line, run:

   ping 192.168.1.2

   (replace 192.168.1.2 to the IP address of the second computer).

If the answers are like Reply from 192.168.1.2: bytes=32 time=2ms TTL=128 — there is a connection. If Request timed out — check your router or firewall settings.

Setting up IP addresses and workgroups

By default, the router assigns devices dynamic IP addresses via DHCP. For stable operation of the local network, it is better to set static IP manually. This will prevent address conflicts and simplify the connection.

Do the following on each computer:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Go to Changing adapter settings.
3. Right click on Wireless network connection → Properties.
4. Select Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.
5. Check the box Use the following IP address and enter:
   • 📌 IP address: 192.168.1.10 (for the first PC), 192.168.1.11 (for the second) etc.
   • 🎭 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
   • 🚪 Main gateway: 192.168.1.1 (usually this is the router's IP).
   • 📡 DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

Important: IP addresses must be unique and within the range of your local network (usually 192.168.1.x or 192.168.0.x). Check the current router address in the settings or on the device sticker.

Static IP is set|Subnet mask is 255.255.255.0|Gateway matches the router IP|DNS is set correctly-->

Also make sure all computers are in one working groupTo do this:

1. Click Win + Pause/Break → Additional system parameters.
2. In the section Computer name click Change.
3. In the field Working group enter the same name (eg WORKGROUP) on all PCs.
4. Restart your computers.

⚠️ Warning: If you use Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, the workgroup name may differ from the standard WORKGROUPMake sure it matches on all devices.

Setting up network discovery and sharing

Even with the correct IP addresses, computers will not see each other unless enabled. network discoveryThis setting controls the visibility of devices on the local network.

Activate it like this:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select on the left Change advanced sharing options.
3. For profile Private (current profile) install:
   • 🔍 Enable network discovery
   • 📂 Enable file and printer sharing
5. For profile All networks select:
   • 🔒 Disable password-protected sharing (if you want to make it easier to access).

Save the changes.

After this, the computers should appear in the section Net Windows Explorer. If this doesn't happen, check:

• 🛡️ Firewall does not block access (allow File and Printer (in exceptions).
• 🔄 Antivirus does not interfere with network interaction (temporarily disable it for testing).
• 📡 Router does not filter traffic between devices (check settings) LAN or Wireless).

Creating and configuring a shared folder

Now you can set it up shared folder, which other computers will have access to. Select the folder you want to share and follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → tab Access.

2. Click Share → select user All (or a specific user) → click Add.

3. Set the permission level:

• 📖 Reading — only viewing files.
• ✏️ Reading and writing — the ability to edit and delete files.

4. Click Share → Ready.

For more flexible settings, go to the tab Security → Change → Add and specify users with the required rights.

To access a shared folder from another computer:

1. Open Explorer and enter the following in the address bar:

   \\192.168.1.10\folder_name

   (replace IP and folder name with the actual ones).

2. Or go to the section Net → find the computer name → open the desired folder.

⚠️ Attention: If an error appears when accessing the folder Access denied, check:

• Are the permissions specified correctly on the tab? Security?
• Is password-protected sharing disabled (see previous section)?
• Does the user have permission to access the folder?

How to hide a folder from strangers on a local network?

To prevent a folder from appearing in the list of shared resources, add the symbol to the end of its name. $. For example, Documents$. It will still be possible to access it via the direct path (\\IP\Documents$), but it will not be visible when browsing the web.

Configuring your router for optimal local network performance

Sometimes problems with the local network are hidden in the settings Wi-Fi router. Check the following parameters in the device's web interface (usually accessible at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1):

If you have dual-band router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), make sure all computers are connected to the same frequencySome devices cannot see each other if one is connected to 2.4 GHz and the other to 5 GHz.

Also check that in the settings LAN router:

• 🔗 Router IP address (For example, 192.168.1.1) matches the gateway specified on the computers.
• 📡 Subnet (For example, 255.255.255.0) the same as in the PC settings.

⚠️ Note: Router interface settings may vary depending on the model and firmware version. If you don't see these settings, please refer to your device's user manual.

Troubleshooting common problems

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to resolve them:

1. Computers don't see each other on the network

• 🔍 Check if it's enabled network discovery on both PCs.
• 🛡️ Temporarily disable firewall And antivirus.
• 🔄 Make sure that working groups coincide.
• 📡 Reboot router and computers.

2. No access to the shared folder

• 🔐 Check it out permissions on tabs Access And Security.
• 👤 Make sure that Password-protected public access is disabled (if not needed).
• 📂 Try accessing via direct IP address (\\192.168.1.10\folder).

3. Ping works, but files aren't copied.

• 📶 Check it out Wi-Fi speed — the signal may be weak.
• 🔌 Connect one of the computers via network cable for the test.
• 🔄 Update network adapter drivers on both PCs.

4. The error "Network path not found" appears.

• 🔗 Make sure that computer name entered correctly (case is not important).
• 📡 Check that Server service launched (Win + R → services.msc → find Server).
• 🔄 Reboot network adapter in the device manager.

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /flushdns

Afterwards, restart your computer.-->

Additional local network capabilities

A local network allows you not only to share files, but also to use other useful functions:

1. Printer sharing

• 🖨️ Connect the printer to one of the computers.
• 📋 Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
• 🖱️ Right-click on the printer → Printer properties → tab Access.
• 🔘 Check it out Share this printer.

On other computers, the printer will appear in the section Net or it can be added manually via Adding a printer.

2. Remote Desktop (RDP)

To control another computer over a local network:

1. On the remote PC: Settings → System → Remote Desktop → turn on Enable Remote Desktop.
2. Remember the computer name or its IP address.
3. On your main PC, open Remote Desktop Connection (enter in search mstsc).
4. Enter IP or computer name → connect.

3. Media streaming (DLNA)

To stream video or music to your TV or other device:

• 📺 Enable DLNA in your router settings (usually in the USB Settings or Media Server).
• 📂 On your computer, open Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options → turn on Media streaming.

4. Online games

For playing on a local network:

• 🎮 Launch the game on both computers.
• 🔗 Select a mode Local Area Network (LAN).
• 📡 Make sure that game ports are not blocked by the firewall.

How to speed up file transfers over Wi-Fi?

Use the standard 802.11ac (5 GHz) instead 802.11n (2.4 GHz) - this will increase the speed by 2-3 times. Also, disable power saving for the Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager (Properties → Power Management → uncheck the box Allow this device to be disabled...).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up a local network

Is it possible to set up a local network between Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Yes, the setup process is almost identical. The main thing is that the computers are in the same workgroup (by default) WORKGROUP in Windows 10 and 11) and have the correct network settings. Sharing and network discovery are configured similarly.

Why can computers see each other but can't exchange files?

The reasons may be as follows:

• 🔐 Not enough access rights to the folder (check the tab Security).
• 🛡️ Firewall or the antivirus is blocking the transfer (add an exception for file sharing).
• 📡 Unstable Wi-Fi connection (try connecting via cable for testing).
• 🔄 Outdated drivers network cards (update them through the device manager).

How do I make a folder accessible only to certain users?

1. Open Folder Options → Access → Share.

2. Instead All Click the drop-down list and select Find people.

3. Enter user names (they must be registered on this computer).

4. Set the permission level (Reading or Reading and writing).

5. On the tab Security delete the group All and add only the users you need.

Is it possible to use a local network without a router (directly via Wi-Fi)?

Yes, but it's less convenient. To do this:

1. On one of the computers, create access point (Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot).
2. Connect the second computer to this point.
3. Set up static IP manually (for example, 192.168.137.1 And 192.168.137.2).
4. Turn on network discovery and set up folder sharing.

The disadvantages of this approach are low speed, lack of internet access on the second PC, and frequent connection interruptions.

How do I check which devices are connected to my router?

1. Open the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

2. Log in (using the login and password indicated on the router sticker).

3. Find the section DHCP Clients, Connected Devices or Local area network.

4. There will be a list of all connected devices with their IP, MAC addresses and names.